The Witches

How is gender explored in the novel? Which characters uphold typical gender norms, and which subvert them? Cite examples from the text.

There have been two movie adaptations of The Witches. Watch the one from 1990, the 2020 version, or both, and compare them to Dahl’s novel. What are the similarities and differences? How do the movies interpret and transform the characters and action? How does the 2020 film introduce the idea of race?

Dahl has written an array of novels for young readers. Read another Dahl novel and compare it to The Witches. If you read Matilda, you could discuss the role of family, gender, and adults in each work. If you read James and the Giant Peach, you could talk about gender, family, and tolerance for other creatures. If you choose George’s Marvellous Medicine, you can compare the different depictions of grandmas.